The Pediatric Comprehensive Care Clinic (PCCC), an Edinburg Children’s Hospital-based outpatient clinic of South Texas Health System, is a new resource that acts as one central point in obtaining and managing the best possible care for children.
Medical Director and Pediatric Intensivist Maria Camacho, MD, FAAP, FCCM, ACCP, says it makes parents’ lives a little easier and helps keep children healthier. “We can provide comprehensive care for high-risk children right here,” says Dr. Camacho. “Our goal is to coordinate complex care among all of the Valley’s pediatric specialists and make our clinic a resource for families. This can help reduce emergency room admissions and inpatient admissions to the hospital and intensive care unit."
The clinic’s medical team consists of two pediatric intensivists, one nurse practitioner and one physician assistant, with experience in treating children with special needs. “We essentially become the primary care providers for children who require more advanced healthcare than a traditional pediatrician may be able to provide,” says Dr. Camacho. “If children are in an acute phase of their illness, or are not responding to treatment, they can be admitted as an inpatient right to Edinburg Children’s Hospital. We also provide follow-up care when children are discharged from the hospital to make sure they are improving or managing their condition well.”
Baby Jose "Manu" Lopez was the first patient to visit Dr. Camacho at the clinic. He was born prematurely at 33 weeks at McAllen Medical Center, and spent a little over a week in the neonatal intensive care unit before being discharged. His parents brought him to see Dr. Camacho for his first pediatrician visit. “Manu is doing very well these days. He is thriving and growing quickly,” says Dr. Camacho.
The PCCC provides pediatric primary care services for a variety of conditions and children, including:
- Post-NICU infants
- Children with multisystem problems
- Congenital heart disease
- Chronic respiratory problems
- Tracheostomy/ventilator dependent
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Oxygen dependent
- Failure to thrive infants and children
- Gastrostomy dependent
- Colostomy
- Feeding problems
- Diabetes
The clinic accepts direct referrals and most services are covered by insurances. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.